Vina Ilusion
Rioja, Spain
Martin A Alonso Etayo, who makes these lovely wines says, “There is a saying that goes “I wanted to change the world, but nothing changed, I changed myself and everything changed”. I believe that really defines my organic philosophy”.
His whole life he was attracted to nature and country life but had always lived in cities. He always had an “illusion” or a fantasy that one day he would farm his own land. In 1992 after a life of dreaming Martin finally purchased some land in the Cidacos Valley in Rioja Baja and began to work the vineyards, olive groves, almond and quince trees. After both successes and failures he was able to develop a healthy vineyard based on green vegetables fertilizers and reusing organic matter. His farming practices come from a blend of philosophies. Namely Fukuoka’s permaculture methods and Jean Maria Roger and Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic theories. Sheep are used to fertilize the vineyard. Today they farm 12 hectares of land spread over many different vineyard plots. The vines are planted on loamy soil with sand, silt and permeable clay at 600-700 meters above sea level.
The winery is powered by solar energy and the vineyards are completely organic. When they began, their neighbors were critical of them, but after many years they are starting to change too. It’s an inspiring story.
Prana:
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon
From an organic vineyard 700 meters above sea level. Grapes are hand harvested then 50% of the fruit undergoes carbonic maceration while the other 50% is destemmed and see traditional crushing maceration. The fermentation is with wild yeasts in both cases. Miniscule addition of SO2 at bottling.
Vina Ilusion:
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
From an organic vineyard 700 meters above sea level. The style here is Joven, that is to say very drinkable and fresh. It’s the style of wine their grandparents used to make and drink. Grapes are hand harvested and destemmed then fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel and lightly filtered before bottling. Miniscule addition of SO2 at bottling. Don’t expect oak, extraction and high alcohols, this is a easy going wine.
Retail
De Luca Fine Wines
Ellement Wine & Spirits
Jones & Co. Wine Merchants
Kenaston Wine Market
Winehouse